Austin in a team surf during the Big Air Bonanza

Enjoying a day on the Farmlands

Surfs up! Playing Rattlesnake with friends

Blog Post

Austin Barwick

Growing up, Austin was an all-state football player, active hunter, and fisherman. His passion for the outdoors began very young and he was always camping and exploring with his family. Austin learned several trades from carpentry to welding, but through time was anxious for an adventure filled life, which brought him to Tennessee to work for the Ocoee Adventure Center.

Austin immediately fell in love with whitewater. He began guiding and kayaking in 2012, and discovered a new way explore the outdoors that he loved so much. Once in a boat, it was hard to find Austin on land. He has kayaked a majority of the South Eastern Rivers, and ventured out on overnight trips on as often as he could. While working for Ocoee Adventure Center, Austin became a Kayak instructor, a Trip Leader, a trainer, and safety boater for the company.

In 2015, his family was blessed with a daughter, Justyna. They decided to raise Justyna in a life of adventure and see things many do not. They bought a school bus and converted it to an amazing home on wheels. They first headed to Winter Park, CO before finding their way to White Salmon. Whitewater is their family unity and they love being a part of the Wet Planet family!

Join Austin on both half day and full day trips on the White Salmon River, and look for him on more of our river trips coming soon!